U.S. patent application number 14/571676 was filed with the patent office on 2016-03-31 for eye dropper positioning and guiding apparatus.
The applicant listed for this patent is KING SAUD UNIVERSITY. Invention is credited to Fahad Ibrahim Al-Jenoobi, Abdullah M. Al-Mohizea, Mohd Aftab Alam.
Application Number | 20160089267 14/571676 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53491842 |
Filed Date | 2016-03-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160089267 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Alam; Mohd Aftab ; et
al. |
March 31, 2016 |
EYE DROPPER POSITIONING AND GUIDING APPARATUS
Abstract
The eye dropper positioning and guiding apparatus includes a
resilient guiding device having a selectively compressible member
having a first opening adapted to receive an eye drop applicator
and a second opening adapted to position an eye within an area of
the second opening to receive a fluid from the eye drop applicator.
The selectively compressible member is adapted for selective linear
and nonlinear movement in relation to the eye positioned within the
area of the second opening. The eye dropper positioning and guiding
apparatus can also include a support base and a resilient guiding
device including a selectively expandable member having a plurality
of concentric loops having an outermost loop and an innermost loop,
adapted for selective linear and nonlinear movement, or a support
base and a resilient guiding device including a plurality of
concentric, interconnected rings adapted for selective linear and
nonlinear movement in relation to an eye.
Inventors: |
Alam; Mohd Aftab; (Riyadh,
SA) ; Al-Jenoobi; Fahad Ibrahim; (Riyadh, SA)
; Al-Mohizea; Abdullah M.; (Riyadh, SA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
KING SAUD UNIVERSITY |
Riyadh |
|
SA |
|
|
Family ID: |
53491842 |
Appl. No.: |
14/571676 |
Filed: |
December 16, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
14497279 |
Sep 25, 2014 |
9072581 |
|
|
14571676 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
604/302 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M 11/006 20140204;
B65D 83/30 20130101; A61F 9/0008 20130101; A61M 11/007 20140204;
A61M 2210/0612 20130101; B65D 47/185 20130101; A61M 11/008
20140204; A61H 35/02 20130101; F16F 1/027 20130101; B65D 47/18
20130101; A61F 9/0026 20130101; A61F 2230/0091 20130101; A61M 11/00
20130101; A61M 35/003 20130101; F16F 2238/022 20130101; A61M 35/00
20130101; A61F 2250/0004 20130101; F16F 2234/06 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61F 9/00 20060101
A61F009/00 |
Claims
1. An eye dropper positioning and guiding apparatus, consisting of:
a resilient guiding device, the resilient guiding, device
consisting of a plurality of concentrically spaced apart ring
members, wherein each ring member is resiliently biased to an
adjacent ring member by a plurality of circumferentially spaced
spring members thereby defining a selectively compressible member
having a first opening adapted to receive an eye drop applicator,
wherein the first opening is defined solely by one of the plurality
of ring members and a second opening adapted to position an eye
within an area of the second opening to receive a fluid from the
eye drop applicator, wherein the second opening is defined solely
by another of the ring members; and a supporting base supporting
and being positioned in conjunction with the resilient guiding
device, the supporting base being adapted to be positioned over at
least a portion of an area of a face proximate to the eye, wherein
the selectively compressible member is adapted for one or more of
selective linear and nonlinear movement to selectively adjust a
height and a position of the eye drop applicator in relation to the
eye positioned within the area of the second opening to selectively
movably position the eye drop applicator in a position in relation
to the eye to dispense a fluid from the eye drop applicator into a
corresponding portion of the eye.
2-6. (canceled)
7. An eye dropper positioning and guiding apparatus, comprising: a
resilient guiding device adapted for one or more of selective
linear and nonlinear movement to selectively adjust a height and a
position of an eye drop applicator in relation to an eye including
a selectively expandable member having a plurality of concentric
loops having an outermost loop and an innermost loop, the innermost
loop having an opening adapted to receive the eye drop applicator;
a supporting base positioned in conjunction with the resilient
guiding device to support the resilient guiding device, the
supporting base being adapted to be positioned over at least a
portion of an area of a face proximate to the eye; and at least one
safety lock associated with a corresponding at least one connecting
member, the at least one connecting member being connected to one
or more loops including the innermost loop of the resilient guiding
device.
8-12. (canceled)
13. An eye dropper positioning and guiding apparatus, comprising: a
resilient guiding device including a plurality of concentric,
interconnected rings adapted for one or more of selective linear
and nonlinear movement to selectively adjust a height and a
position of an eye drop applicator in relation to an eye including
an innermost ring having an opening adapted to receive the eye drop
applicator and an outermost ring; and a supporting base positioned
in conjunction with the resilient guiding device to support the
resilient guiding device, the supporting base being adapted to be
positioned over at least a portion of an area of a face proximate
to the eye, wherein the supporting base comprises: a plurality of
vertical support members coupled to the outermost ring of the
resilient guiding device, wherein the outermost ring forms a
portion of the supporting base and the plurality of vertical
support members are adapted to support the resilient guiding device
and to selectively position the resilient guiding device in
corresponding relation to a portion of the eye.
14. (canceled)
15. The eye dropper positioning and guiding apparatus according to
claim 13, wherein the resilient guiding device further comprises:
one or more resilient members respectively connecting the innermost
ring and at least one other ring of the plurality of concentric,
interconnected rings, wherein the one or more resilient members are
adapted for one or more of the selective linear and nonlinear
movement of the resilient guiding device to selectively position
the resilient guiding device in corresponding relation to a portion
of the eye.
16-17. (canceled)
18. The eye dropper positioning and guiding apparatus according to
claim 13, further comprising: at least one safety lock associated
with a corresponding at least one connecting member, the at least
one connecting member being connected to one or more rings
including the innermost ring of the resilient guiding device.
19-20. (canceled)
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a divisional of our prior application Ser. No.
14/497,279, filed Sep. 25, 2014, now pending.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to an apparatus to position
and guide an eye drop applicator to improve the accuracy when
administering eye drops into an eye. More specifically, the present
invention allows for one or more of selective linear and nonlinear
movement to selectively adjust a height and a position of an eye
drop applicator in relation to an eye, such as including one or
more of vertical, lateral, oblique, and various combinations, paths
and directions of movement of the eye drop applicator, to aid in
the administration of an eye drop into an eye and to aid in
protecting the eye from contact with the nozzle of the eye drop
applicator.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Many people use eye drops as treatment for microbial
infections, glaucoma, dry eye syndrome, and irritation resulting
from dust and other small foreign objects. People who use contact
lenses for long periods of time also tend to use eye drops to
re-wet their eyes. For effective treatment, the eye drops can be
administered regularly at one or more times during the day, such as
about three to four times a day or as prescribed by an
ophthalmologist, for example. Eye drops are typically packaged in a
resilient eye drop applicator bottle having a nozzle through which
eye drop(s) is/are administered into the eye.
[0006] Self-administration, for example, of eye drops using known
eye drop applicators, however, can be challenging and can lead to
injury for various reasons. It can be difficult to properly
position or align the eye drop applicator to administer eye drops
at a particular location in relation to the eye while tilting the
head back and simultaneously administering the eye drops. This can
result in inadvertently wasting medicine or, even worse, an
inability to administer the correct dosage to the eye. Also, since
the eye lids and eye lashes are typically sensitive and can be
subject to a reflex action when a foreign object approaches the
eye, the eye lids can sometimes prevent at least a portion of the
eye drops from entering the eye. Further, the close positioning of
a nozzle of an eye drop applicator in front of the eye can lead to
missed judgment in the eye drop application, since objects
relatively close to the eye can become blurred, and can thereby
cause the nozzle of the eye drop applicator to come in contact with
the corneal region of the eye as can potentially cause or increase
the likelihood of infection, irritation or injury to the eye. Also,
such potential difficulties in eye drop administration can be more
likely in individuals that experience reduced vision related to
various eye conditions or coordination difficulties, such as hand
tremors, as can hinder the ability to correctly position or aim the
eye drop applicator, for example.
[0007] Various apparatuses for eye drop applicators that attempt to
remedy the problems related to the self-administration of eye-drops
are known. However, many of these known apparatuses for eye drop
applicators can be selective in their application, as well as
typically not being adapted to work with eye drop applicators
having nozzles of a non-uniform design, size, or shape or nozzles
of varying lengths, for example. Therefore, such known apparatuses
for eye drop applicators, when used for other than their intended
selective application, can likely increase the likelihood that the
nozzles that dispense the eye drops can come in contact with the
corneal region of the eye, as can increase the possibility of
damage to the eye. Further, such known apparatuses for eye drop
applicators can be difficult to adapt to work with individuals
having different facial features (e.g. inter-pupillary distance
and, the width and height of the nose) or individuals having
bulging eyes or eyes below a relatively normal position because of
possible difficulty or inability in achieving an acceptable
position of an eye drop apparatus in relation to an eye prior to
dispensing the medication. Further, by not having a significant
ability to allow for or provide an acceptable position of the eye
drop applicator, various known apparatuses for eye drop applicators
typically can have a reduced suitability for operated, injured, or
inflamed eyes, since use of such known apparatuses can likely
increase a possibility of the nozzle of the eye drop applicator
coming into direct contact with the eye. A likely result of such
inadequacies and short comings of known apparatuses for eye drop
applicators is that a relatively large majority of eye drops are
generally applied or administered without using any positioning or
guiding apparatus to position the eye drop applicator relative to
the eye or other facial location.
[0008] Thus, an eye dropper positioning and guiding apparatus
addressing the aforementioned problems is desired.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] Embodiments of an eye dropper positioning and guiding
apparatus have a resilient guiding device including a selectively
compressible member having a first opening adapted to receive an
eye drop applicator and a second opening adapted to position an eye
within an area of the second opening to receive a fluid from the
eye drop applicator, wherein the selectively compressible member is
adapted for one or more of selective linear and nonlinear movement
to selectively adjust a height and a position of an eye drop
applicator, such as including one or more of vertical, lateral,
oblique, and various combinations, paths and directions of
movement, in relation to the eye positioned within the area of the
second opening to selectively movably position the eye drop
applicator in a position in relation to the eye to dispense a fluid
from the eye drop applicator into a corresponding portion of the
eye.
[0010] A further embodiment includes a supporting base being
adapted to position over at least a portion of an area of a face
proximate to the eye and a resilient guiding device adapted for one
or more of selective linear and nonlinear movement to selectively
adjust a height and a position of an eye drop applicator, such as
including one or more of vertical, lateral, oblique, and various
combinations, paths, and directions of movement, in relation to an
eye including a spring member having a plurality of concentric
loops including an outermost loop and an innermost loop, the
innermost loop adapted to receive an eye drop applicator.
[0011] Another embodiment includes a supporting base being adapted
to position over at least a portion of an area of a face proximate
to the eye and also includes a resilient guiding device having
concentric, interconnected rings adapted for one or more of
selective linear and nonlinear movement to selectively adjust a
height and a position of an eye drop applicator, such as including
one or more of vertical, lateral, oblique, and various
combinations, paths, and directions of movement, in relation to an
eye including an innermost ring adapted to receive an eye drop
applicator and an outermost ring.
[0012] Embodiments of a resilient guiding device can also include
at least one safety lock associated with a corresponding at least
one connecting member formed from a material selected from the
group consisting of a metallic wire type material, a metallic chain
type material, a thread type material, or a combination thereof,
adapted to connect to an innermost loop or an innermost ring of the
resilient guiding device so as to prevent or limit over stretching
of the resilient guiding device and protect the eyes. The resilient
guiding device can allow for one or more of selective linear and
nonlinear movement to selectively adjust a height and a position of
an eye drop applicator, such as including one or more of vertical,
lateral, oblique, and various combinations, paths, and directions
of movement, in relation to the eye, such as when guided by the
fingers, for example.
[0013] Embodiments of a supporting base can also include a first
ring member, with the resilient guiding device being positioned in
conjunction with, such as being set on or coupled to, the first
ring member, a second ring member adapted to position over a
periorbital region of the eye or in proximity to the eye socket,
and a plurality of connecting members connecting the first ring
member and the second ring member. In other embodiments, the
supporting base can include an eye bridge having a holder which can
be positioned over the eye, and still other embodiments can include
a generally saddle type shape, which can be placed over the nose,
so as to support the resilient guiding device, for example.
[0014] Further, in other embodiments, the supporting base can
include a ring member that can also form a portion of the resilient
guiding device or the resilient guiding device can be coupled by at
least one resilient member to the ring member. In such embodiments,
once the resilient guiding device is coupled to the supporting
base, the supporting base including the resilient guiding device
can be positioned over the eye or in proximity to the eye socket of
the eye. The nozzle of the eye drop applicator can then be inserted
through the resilient guiding device and selectively adjusted one
or more of linearly and nonlinearly to selectively adjust a height
and a position of an eye drop applicator, such selective adjustment
including one or more of vertical, lateral, oblique, and various
combinations, paths, and directions of movement, towards or away
from the eye so as accurately dispense the medication into the
eye.
[0015] These and other features of the present invention will
become readily apparent upon further review of the following
specification and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1A is an environmental, perspective view of an
embodiment of an eye dropper positioning and guiding apparatus
being adapted to work with an eye drop applicator having a nozzle
according to the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 1B is an elevated perspective view of an embodiment of
an eye dropper positioning and guiding apparatus adapted to work
with an eye drop applicator having a barrel and a rubber type bulb
according to the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 2A is an illustration of an embodiment of a resilient
guiding device according to the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 2B is an illustration of an embodiment of a resilient
guiding device according to the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 2C is an illustration of an embodiment of a resilient
guiding device according to the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 3A is an elevated perspective view of an embodiment of
an eye dropper positioning and guiding apparatus according to the
present invention illustrating a resilient guiding device in a
normal state adapted to work with an eye drop applicator.
[0022] FIG. 3B is an elevated perspective view of an embodiment of
an eye dropper positioning and guiding apparatus according to the
present invention illustrating an expanded resilient guiding device
adapted to work with an eye drop applicator.
[0023] FIG. 3C is an elevated perspective view of an embodiment of
an eye dropper positioning and guiding apparatus according to the
present invention wherein the supporting base includes support
members attached thereto.
[0024] FIG. 3D is an elevated perspective view of an embodiment of
an eye dropper positioning and guiding apparatus adapted to work
with a supporting base including an eye bridge according to the
present invention.
[0025] FIG. 3E is an elevated perspective view of an embodiment of
an eye dropper positioning and guiding apparatus including a
supporting base having a generally saddle type shape according to
the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 3F is an elevated perspective view of an embodiment of
an eye dropper positioning and guiding apparatus including a
resilient guiding device in a normal state having concentric,
interconnected rings according to the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 3G is an elevated perspective view of an embodiment of
an eye dropper positioning and guiding apparatus including an
expanded resilient guiding device having concentric, interconnected
rings according to the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 3H is an elevated perspective view of an embodiment of
an eye dropper positioning and guiding apparatus including a
resilient guiding device having concentric, interconnected rings
and a supporting base having support members attached thereto
according to the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 3I is an elevated perspective view of an embodiment of
an eye dropper positioning and guiding apparatus including a
resilient guiding device having concentric, interconnected rings
and a supporting base including an eye bridge.
[0030] FIG. 3J is an elevated perspective view of an embodiment of
an eye dropper positioning and guiding apparatus including a
supporting base having a generally saddle type shape and a
resilient guiding device including concentric, interconnected rings
according to the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 3K is an elevated perspective view of an embodiment of
an eye dropper positioning and guiding apparatus having a
supporting base and an expanded resilient guiding device including
concentric, interconnected rings according to the present
invention.
[0032] Unless otherwise indicated, similar reference characters
denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached
drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0033] Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the eye dropper positioning
and guiding apparatuses 10a and 10b include a resilient guiding
device 60 including a selectively compressible member 61 having a
first opening 70 having a first diameter or a first crosswise
dimension adapted to receive an eye drop applicator, such as eye
drop applicators 20 and 20a, and a second opening 80 of a second
diameter or a second crosswise dimension adapted to position an eye
110 within an area of the second opening 80 to receive a fluid from
the eye drop applicator, such as eye drop applicators 20 and 20a.
The fluid or eye drop(s) dispensed by the eye drop applicator, can
include not only a liquid medication but also a cream/gel type or a
salve type medication, as well, for example, and should not be
construed in a limiting sense. During use, when the person
administering the eye medication selectively moves a base 30 or a
bulb 120 of an eye drop applicator, such as including one or more
of vertical, lateral, oblique, and various combinations, paths and
directions of movement, when positioned in the selectively
compressible member 61, there is provided one or more of a
selective linear and nonlinear direction or path of movement for
the eye drop applicator to selectively adjust a height and a
position of the eye drop applicator, such as eye drop applicators
20 and 20a, having a nozzle, such as nozzles 40 and 40a, to adjust
a position of the nozzle in relation to the eye 110. The
selectively compressible member 61 of the resilient guiding device
60 can allow for its one or more of selective linear and nonlinear
movement to selectively adjust a height and a position of an eye
drop applicator, when positioned therein, in relation to the eye
110, such as including one or more of vertical, lateral, oblique,
and various combinations, paths and directions of movement, and
that of the nozzle, such as nozzles 40 and 40a, of the eye drop
applicator, such as eye drop applicators 20 and 20a, so as to
properly align the nozzle with the eye 110 positioned within the
area of the second opening 80 to selectively administer a fluid
from the eye drop applicator into a corresponding portion of the
eye 110. It is to be appreciated that the resilient guiding device
60 including the selectively compressible member 61 can be formed
from material that is compressible, flexible, and resilient in
nature, such as polymeric or metallic compressible springs, for
example.
[0034] Referring to FIGS. 1A and 3A, an eye drop applicator, such
as eye drop applicators 20 and 20b, can be used to dispense
medicated and non-medicated eye solutions into the eye 110. An eye
drop applicator, such as eye drop applicators 20 and 20b,
respectively includes a resilient body 25, 25b having a base 30,
30b being in communication with a nozzle, such as nozzles 40 and
40b. The nozzle, such as nozzles 40 and 40b, can be a hollow
cylindrical pipe, as can have a tapered configuration, having an
opening at both ends, for example. The nozzle, such as the nozzle
40 or the nozzle 40b, can be directly connected to the resilient
body 25, as illustrated in FIG. 1A, or the nozzle 40b can be
connected to the resilient body 25b via a neck 150, as illustrated
in FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3E. A radial flange can also be provided in
between the nozzle, such as nozzles 40 and 40b, and the neck 150.
It is to be noted that the nozzle, such as nozzles 40 and 40b, can
also be surrounded by a fence-like crown.
[0035] By way of operation, the eye drop applicator, such as eye
drop applicators 20, 20a and 20b, dispense the eye drop solution
through the nozzle, such as nozzles 40, 40a and 40b, after the
resilient body 25, 25b or the bulb 120 has been compressed. It is
to be noted that an eye drop applicator, such as eye drop
applicator 20a, that includes the bulb 120, such as a rubber type
bulb and a nozzle, such as nozzle 40a, can have a barrel shape, as
illustrated in FIG. 1B, wherein the rubber type bulb 120 can also
be used to extract the medication from a container and administer
it into the eye 110, for example.
[0036] Continuing with reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B, embodiments of
the resilient guiding device 60 include a selectively compressible
member 61, such as a spiral type spring having a plurality of
helical shaped loops 62, wherein one of the plurality of helical
shaped loops 62 forms the first opening 70 and another of the
plurality of helical shaped loops 62 forms the second opening 80.
The first opening 70, being adapted to receive an eye drop
applicator, such as eye drop applicator 20, 20a and 20b, and the
second opening 80 are on opposite sides of the resilient guiding
device 60. Although the resilient guiding device 60 can be of any
suitable shape, such as a generally hourglass shape or a generally
barrel shape, for example, it is desirable that the resilient
guiding device 60 have a conical or a generally conical shape, such
as illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, for example. It is to be known
that the helical shaped loops 62 are not limited to having a
generally circular configuration, but can also include loops having
various shapes such as generally rectangular, square, triangular,
diamond or elliptical configurations or loops, for example, and
should not be construed in a limiting sense. It is to be noted that
the second opening 80 can be associated with a supporting base 100,
and the resilient guiding device 60 can be positioned in
conjunction with, such as being set on or coupled to, the
supporting base 100, as being positioned in conjunction with the
selectively compressible member 61 formed by the helical shaped
loops 62. Also, the supporting base 100 is adapted to fit or be
positioned over a periorbital region 90 of the eye 110 or
positioned in proximity to an eye socket 95. It is to be noted that
the number of consecutive helical shaped loops 62 including the
first opening 70 and the second opening 80 of the resilient guiding
device 60 typically can vary between three and ten helical loops
62, as can depend on the use or application, and should not be
construed in a limiting sense. However, it is desirable that the
resilient guiding device 60 have between five and six helical loops
62 including the first opening 70 and the second opening 80, for
example.
[0037] The gaps between consecutive helical loops 62 of the
resilient guiding device 60 provide compressible space so that the
resilient guiding device 60 can be compressed and the nozzle, such
as nozzles 40, 40a and 40b, of the eye drop applicator, such as eye
drop applicator 20, 20a, and 20b, can be selectively adjusted one
or more of linearly and nonlinearly to selectively adjust a height
and a position of an eye drop applicator, as described herein, in
relation to and over the eye 110. Such selective linear and
nonlinear adjustment can assist in accurately administering the eye
drops into the eye 110 and can prevent or limit the nozzle, such as
nozzles 40, 40a, and 40b, of the eye drop applicator, such as
applicator 20, 20a and 20b, from coming in contact with the corneal
region of the eye 110. For example, if the eye 110 is located below
its normal position, the resilient guiding device 60 can be
compressed so as to properly apply the eye drops to the eye 110.
If, on the other hand, the eye 110, protrudes out from its normal
location, the compressive and resilient nature of the resilient
guiding device 60 can assist in preventing the nozzle, such as
nozzles 40, 40a and 40b, of the eye drop applicator, such as eye
drop applicators 20, 20a, and 20b, from coming in contact with the
corneal region of the eye 110. The resilient guiding device 60 can
allow for one or more of selective linear and nonlinear adjustment
to selectively adjust a height and a position of an eye drop
applicator in relation to the eye 110, such as including one or
more of vertical, lateral, oblique, and various combinations,
paths, and directions of movement, prior to and during
administration of the liquid eye drop(s) medication. Thus, such
selective linear and nonlinear adjustment allowed by the resilient
guiding device 60 can aid in the administration of the eye drop(s)
liquid.
[0038] Since the eye drops can be applied using a variety of eye
drop applicators, such as eye drop applicators 20, 20a and 20b, the
resilient guiding device 60 can include an attachment member, such
as attachment members 50 and 50a, illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B,
positioned in conjunction with, such as being set on or coupled to,
at least one helical loop 62 forming the first opening 70 of the
resilient guiding device 60, wherein the attachment member has a
third opening, such as a third opening 45 of attachment member 50
and a third opening 140a of a sleeve 140 of the attachment member
50a, of a third diameter or a third crosswise dimension less than
the first diameter or the first crosswise dimension of the first
opening 70. The attachment members 50 and 50a can be adapted to
maintain the nozzle, such as nozzles 40 and 40a of the eye drop
applicator, such as eye drop applicators 20 and 20a, in spaced
relation to the eye 110, for example.
[0039] Also, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 1A, eye drop
applicator 20 with nozzle 40 can be supported with an attachment
member, such as the attachment member 50, having the inner opening
45 that fits the nozzle 40 of the eye drop applicator 20. By way of
operation, the attachment member 50 can be placed in conjunction
with at least one helical loop 62 forming the first opening 70 of
the resilient guiding device 60 and then the nozzle 40 of the eye
drop applicator 20 is passed through the inner opening 45 of the
attachment member 50. Further, as illustrated in FIG. 1B, if the
eye drop applicator, such as eye drop applicator 20a, includes the
bulb 120, such as a rubber type bulb, for example, in communication
with a nozzle, such as having a generally barrel shape as can have
a generally conical shaped end, such as nozzle 40a, the nozzle 40a
can be inserted through the opening 140a of a passage way of the
sleeve 140 of the attachment member 50a adapted to fit the nozzle
40a of the eye drop applicator, such as eye drop applicator 20a.
Additionally, the attachment members, such as attachment members 50
and 50a, can also prevent or limit nozzles having different shapes
and sizes from coming in contact with the corneal region of the eye
110.
[0040] By way of operation, the first opening 70 is adapted to
receive the nozzle, such as nozzles 40, 40a and 40b, of the eye
drop applicator, such as eye drop applicators 20, 20a and 20b, in
an inverted position, such as in a position with the nozzle of the
eye drop applicator pointing in a downward direction, for example.
If, however, the eye drop applicator includes an unconventional or
specialized type nozzle, the first opening 70 can receive an
attachment member, such as the attachment members 50 and 50a, to
receive the nozzle of the eye drop applicator, such as one of eye
drop applicators 20 and 20a, in an inverted position. The eye drop
applicator, such as one of eye drop applicators 20, 20a, and 20b,
is inserted into the first opening 70 formed by a helical shaped
loop 62 or into the attachment member, such as attachment members
50 and 50a, if necessary, associated with the first opening 70. At
least one helical loop 62 forming the second opening 80 of the
resilient guiding device 60 is placed in conjunction with the
supporting base 100, or the resilient guiding device 60 can
previously have been positioned in conjunction with, such as by
being set on or coupled to, the supporting base 100, for example.
The head of the person receiving the eye medication is then
reclined backwards and the supporting base 100 of the resilient
guiding device 60 having the eye drop applicator, such as eye drop
applicators 20, 20a and 20b, is placed on the periorbital region 90
of the eye 110 or positioned in proximity to the eye socket 95.
[0041] For example, the supporting base 100 of the resilient
guiding device 60 can be positioned over the upper eye lid and
below the lower eye lid to assist in keeping the eye lids from
preventing or limiting the eye drop fluid from reaching the eye
110. Once the supporting base 100 associated with the second
opening 80 of the resilient guiding device 60 is placed over the
periorbital region 90 of the eye 110 or positioned in proximity to
the eye socket 95, the eye drop applicator, such as eye drop
applicators 20, 20a and 20b, can be selectively pushed or adjusted
downward, such as in a downward vertical or oblique direction,
toward the eye 110 and/or can be one or more of selectively
linearly and nonlinearly adjusted to selectively adjust a height
and a position of an eye drop applicator, as described herein, so
that the eye drop(s) fluid can be administered into the eye 110.
After the eye drop(s) fluid has/have been administered into the eye
110 and the generally downward directional pressure is removed from
the eye drop applicator, such as eye drop applicators 20, 20a, and
20b, the resilient guiding device 60 and the eye drop applicator
therein can then return to an original position, such as due to the
resilience of guiding device 60, for example, and the eye drop
applicator, such as one of eye drop applicators 20, 20a and 20b,
can be removed from the resilient guiding device 60.
[0042] Referring to FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A through 2C and 3A through 3K,
various exemplary embodiments of eye dropper positioning and
guiding apparatuses including various components thereof, such as
eye dropper positioning and guiding apparatuses 300a-300k, are
illustrated and can include a resilient guiding device, such as one
of resilient guiding devices 60, 60a, 60b and 60c, for example,
adapted for one or more of selective linear and nonlinear movement
to selectively adjust a height and a position of an eye drop
applicator, such as including one or more of vertical, lateral,
oblique, and various combinations, paths, and directions of
movement, in relation to an eye 110. Also, various embodiments of
supporting bases 160, 160a, 160b, 160c and 160d are respectively
included in the exemplary embodiments of the eye dropper
positioning and guiding apparatuses 300a-300k of FIGS. 3A-3K, as
can support embodiments of various resilient guiding devices, such
as one of resilient guiding devices 60a, 60b and 60c.
[0043] For example, referring to FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3F and 3G, the
supporting base 160 is illustrated in conjunction with embodiments
of the eye dropper positioning and guiding apparatuses 300a and
300b that include an embodiment of the resilient guiding device
60a, and also in conjunction with embodiments of eye dropper
positioning and guiding apparatuses 300f and 300g that include an
embodiment of the resilient guiding device 60b.
[0044] Also, for example, referring to FIGS. 3C and 3H, the
supporting base 160a is illustrated in conjunction with embodiments
of the eye dropper positioning and guiding apparatuses 300c, that
includes an embodiment of the resilient guiding device 60a, and
300h, that includes an embodiment of the resilient guiding device
60b.
[0045] Further, for example, referring to FIGS. 3D and 3I, the
supporting base 160b is illustrated in conjunction with embodiments
of the eye dropper positioning and guiding apparatuses 300d, that
includes an embodiment of the resilient guiding device 60a, and
300i that includes an embodiment of the resilient guiding device
60b.
[0046] Also, for example, referring to FIGS. 3E and 3J, the
supporting base 160c is illustrated in conjunction with embodiments
of the eye dropper positioning and guiding apparatuses 300e, that
includes an embodiment of the resilient guiding device 60a, and
300j, that includes an embodiment of the resilient guiding device
60b. Additionally, for example, referring to FIG. 3K, the
supporting base 160d is illustrated in conjunction with embodiments
of the eye dropper positioning and guiding apparatus 300k, that
includes an embodiment of the resilient guiding device 60c.
[0047] Referring now to FIG. 2A, an embodiment of a resilient
guiding device 60a is shown that includes and is formed by a
selectively expandable member 63, illustrated in FIG. 2A in a
normal state. The selectively expandable member 63 includes a
plurality of concentric loops 63a, such as of a generally circular
configuration, respectively encircling one another from an
outermost loop 67 to an innermost loop 65 of the concentric loops
63a, the innermost loop 65 having a first diameter or a first
crosswise dimension and the outermost loop 67 having a second
diameter or a second crosswise dimension greater than the first
diameter or the first crosswise dimension, the innermost loop 65
adapted to receive an eye drop applicator, such as eye drop
applicators 20, 20a and 20b.
[0048] It is to be noted that the selectively expandable member 63
can be formed from metallic or polymeric material, for example, and
should not be construed in a limiting sense. It is to be known that
the selectively expandable member 63 is not limited to having a
plurality of concentric, generally circular loops but can also
include loops having various concentric shapes such as generally
rectangular, square, triangular, diamond or elliptical
configurations or loops, for example, and should not be construed
in a limiting sense. The selectively expandable member 63 can be
stretched or expanded by applying a generally vertical force, such
as by selectively pushing downward or in a generally downward
vertical direction toward the eye 110 and/or can be one or more of
selectively linearly and nonlinearly adjusted to selectively adjust
a height and a position of an eye drop applicator in relation to
the eye 110, such as including one or more of vertical, lateral,
oblique, and various combinations, paths, and directions of
movement, so that the eye drop(s) fluid can be administered into
the eye 110, as illustrated in FIG. 3B, for example. As illustrated
in FIG. 3A, a supporting base 160 can be positioned in conjunction
with, such as by being set on or coupled to, the resilient guiding
device 60a, the supporting base 160 being adapted to position over
at least a portion of an area of a face proximate to the eye 110 to
support the resilient guiding device 60a. The gaps between the
concentric loops 63a provide space for the resilient guiding device
60a to expand, as a selectively expandable member 63, for
example.
[0049] It is to be noted that the resilient guiding device 60a can
be formed from various suitable materials, as can depend on the use
or application, such as a material that provides a resilient nature
to the device, such as a metal and/or polymeric material, for
example, and should not be construed in a limiting sense. The
number of concentric loops 63a, including the innermost loop 65 and
the outermost loop 67, can range from three to ten, for example, as
can depend on the particular use or application, and should not be
construed in a limiting sense. It is desirable that the number of
concentric loops 63a, including the innermost loop 65 and the
outermost loop 67, be between five and six concentric loops 63a,
for example. Also, the resilient guiding device 60a can be
positioned in conjunction with, such as being set on or coupled to,
various embodiments of a supporting base, such as one of supporting
bases 160, 160a, 160b, 160c and 160d, as discussed further below
with reference to FIGS. 3A-3K, for example, and should not be
construed in a limiting sense.
[0050] As illustrated in FIGS. 2B and 2C, embodiments of resilient
guiding devices 60b and 60c are respectively illustrated, each
being shown in a normal state, the normal state being a generally
planar arrangement, having a plurality of concentric,
interconnected generally circular rings, such as concentric,
generally circular rings 64, 66 and 68, adapted for one or more of
selective linear and nonlinear movement to selectively adjust a
height and a position of an eye drop applicator, such as including
one or more of vertical, lateral, oblique, and various
combinations, paths, and directions of movement, in relation to the
eye 110. The innermost concentric, generally circular ring 64 has a
first diameter or a first crosswise dimension and the outermost
concentric, generally circular ring 68 has a second diameter or a
second crosswise dimension greater than the first diameter or the
first crosswise dimension. As illustrated in FIGS. 3F and 3G, the
resilient guiding device, such as one of resilient guiding devices
60a, 60b and 60c, is positioned in conjunction with, such as being
set on or coupled to, the supporting base 160. The supporting base
160 is adapted to be positioned over at least a portion of an area
of a face proximate to the eye 110 to support the resilient guiding
device 60b, as well as one of resilient guiding devices 60a and
60c, such as positioned over the periorbital region 90 of the eye
110 or in proximity to the eye socket 95 of the eye 110, for
example.
[0051] Referring also to FIG. 3K, in the embodiment of the eye
dropper positioning and guiding apparatus 300k, the supporting base
160d is coupled to or can form a part of the resilient guiding
device 60c, as can form or constitute a ring member 165d of the
supporting base 160d as can also constitute the outermost ring 68
of the resilient guiding device 60c, for example. The supporting
base 160d can also be similarly coupled to or can form a part of
one of the resilient guiding devices 60a and 60b, for example, and
should not be construed in a limiting sense. The supporting base
160d also includes a plurality of vertical support members 270
adapted to be positioned over the periorbital region 90 of the eye
110 or positioned in proximity to the eye socket 95 of the eye 110
to support the resilient guiding device 60c, for example. It is to
be known that the ring member 165d of the supporting base 160d, as
can form the outermost ring 68 of the resilient guiding devices 60b
and 60c or the outermost loop 67 of the resilient guiding device
60a, is not limited to having a generally circular configuration,
but can also include a ring or a loop having various
configurations, such as generally rectangular, square, triangular,
diamond or elliptical configurations, for example, and should not
be construed in a limiting sense.
[0052] In embodiments of the resilient guiding devices 60b and 60c,
it is to be noted that the concentric, generally circular rings,
such as concentric, generally circular rings 64, 66 and 68, as can
also include the ring member 165d of FIG. 3K, can be interconnected
via resilient members, such as one or more resilient members 69a of
resilient guiding device 60b and one or more resilient members 69b
of resilient guiding device 60c. The one or more resilient members
69a are of a generally elastic type material construction and the
one or more resilient members 69b are of a generally spring-like
construction. However, the type and construction of the one or more
resilient members 69a and the one or more resilient members 69b can
be of various suitable materials and constructions, and should not
be construed in a limiting sense. Various suitable resilient
materials for the resilient members 69a and 69b can include a
suitable elastomeric material, such as a stretchable polymeric
material, elastic rubber or metal or plastic stretchable springs,
for example, that can assist in controlling the one or more of
selective linear and nonlinear movement to selectively adjust a
height and a position of the eye drop applicator in relation to the
eye 110, as illustrated in FIGS. 3F, 3G, 3J and 3K, such as of eye
drop applicators 20, 20a and 20b, for example.
[0053] Further, the number of concentric, generally circular rings,
such as concentric, generally circular rings 64, 66 and 68, can
vary between two to four, for example, in the resilient guiding
devices 60b and 60c. It is desirable, however, to have between two
or three concentric, generally circular rings, such as concentric,
generally circular rings 64, 66 and 68, forming the innermost ring
64, the middle ring 66, and the outermost ring 68. It is to be
known that the resilient guiding devices 60b and 60c, respectively,
are not limited to having a plurality of concentric, generally
circular rings but can also include various other concentric shapes
such as generally rectangular, square, triangular, diamond or
elliptical configurations or rings, for example, and should not be
construed in a limiting sense.
[0054] The concentric generally circular rings, such as concentric,
generally circular rings 64, 66 and 68, when in the normal state,
can be arranged in a generally planar arrangement, having the
innermost ring 64 having the smallest diameter or smallest
crosswise dimension in the inside of the arrangement and the
outermost ring 68 having the largest diameter or the largest
crosswise dimension on the outside of the arrangement. It is to be
noted that the concentric, generally circular rings, such as
concentric, generally circular rings 64, 66 and 68, when in an
expanded state, can also be arranged by having one ring above
another according to their size. For example, the ring with the
smallest diameter or the smallest crosswise dimension can be on the
bottom of the arrangement and the ring with the largest diameter or
largest crosswise dimension can be on the top of the arrangement,
as illustrated in FIGS. 3G and 3K, for example, as for the
concentric, interconnected generally circular rings, such as
concentric, generally circular rings 64, 66 and 68 of the resilient
guiding devices 60b and 60c. Also, the resilient guiding devices
60b and 60c, as well as the resilient guiding device 60a, can be
respectively positioned in conjunction with, such as being set on
or coupled to, various embodiments of a supporting base, such as
supporting bases 160, 160a, 160b, 160c and 160d, as discussed
further below with reference to FIGS. 3A-3K, for example, and
should not be construed in a limiting sense.
[0055] Referring now to FIGS. 3A and 3F, the resilient guiding
device, such as one of resilient guiding devices 60a, 60b and 60c,
can be adapted to receive various types of eye drop applicators,
such as one of eye drop applicators 20, 20a and 20b, as can be
conventional, specialized or non-conventional eye drop applicators,
used to administer the medicated and non-medicated eye fluid into
the eye 110 (FIG. 1A). It is to be noted that the resilient guiding
device, such as resilient guiding device 60a in FIG. 3A, can
include at least one safety lock 190 associated with a
corresponding at least one connecting member 180, the at least one
connecting member 180 connecting at least the innermost loop 65 and
one or more loops 63a, as can also include the outermost loop 67,
of the resilient guiding device 60a. The safety lock 190 and the
associated connecting member 180 can be formed from various
suitable materials, such as a metallic wire type material, a
metallic chain type material, a thread type material, or a
combination thereof, for example, to assist in preventing
overstretching of the resilient guiding device, such as resilient
guiding device 60a, for example.
[0056] Also, it is to be noted that embodiments of a resilient
guiding device, such as one of resilient guiding devices 60a, 60b
and 60c, can similarly include the at least one safety lock 190
associated with a corresponding at least one connecting member 180
in communicating relation with the innermost ring 64 or with the
innermost loop 65, respectively, as well as being in communicating
relation with a corresponding one of supporting bases 160a, 160b,
160c and 160d and/or in communicating relation with the outermost
ring 68 or with the outermost loop 67, respectively, as illustrated
in FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3H, for example. As further illustrated in
FIGS. 3B and 3H, the connecting member 180 is adapted to limit one
or more of the selective linear and nonlinear movement to a
predetermined range of movement in selectively adjusting a height
and a position of an eye drop applicator in relation to the eye
110, such as including one or more of vertical, lateral, oblique,
and various combinations, paths, and directions of movement, of at
least the innermost ring 64 or the innermost loop 65 and at least
one middle ring 66 or a middle loop 63a of the resilient guiding
device, such as one of resilient guiding devices 60a, 60b and 60c,
for example.
[0057] Further, it is to be noted that the connecting member 180
associated with the safety lock 190 can connect the innermost ring
64 (FIG. 3H) or the innermost loop 65 (FIG. 3A) of the resilient
guiding device, such as one of resilient guiding devices 60a, 60b
and 60c, to either the first ring member 165 or 165a, or the ring
member 165d, of the supporting base, such as one of corresponding
supporting bases 160, 160a, and 160d, or a holder 195c of
supporting base 160c, or the holder 195b of the supporting base
160b. The connecting member 180 associated with the safety lock 190
can also be in communication with one or more of the other loops
63a or with one or more of the other rings, such as rings 66 and
68, for example, of the corresponding resilient guiding device 60a,
60b or 60c, for example.
[0058] The at least one safety lock 190 and at least one associated
connecting member 180 can limit or restrict the overstretching of
resilient guiding device, such as one of the resilient guiding
devices 60a, 60b and 60c, and can assist in preventing possible
damage as can be caused by direct contact between the nozzle, such
as one of nozzles 40, 40a and 40b, and the eye 110 (FIG. 1A). The
length of the connecting member 180 associated with the safety lock
190 can be pre-adjusted, such as in length, arrangement or
position, before using the safety lock 190 and the connecting
member 180 in conjunction with embodiments of eye dropper
positioning and guiding apparatuses, such as with the eye dropper
positioning and guiding apparatuses 300a-300k, for example.
[0059] Continuing with reference to FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3F and 3G, the
supporting base 160 includes the first ring member 165 and the
resilient guiding device, such as one of resilient guiding devices
60a, 60b and 60c, is positioned in conjunction with, such as being
set on or coupled to, the first ring member 165. The supporting
base 160 also includes a second ring member 167 adapted to be
positioned over a periorbital region of an eye 110 (FIG. 1A) or
placed in proximity to the eye socket 95 of the eye 110, depending
on the diameter or the crosswise dimension of the second ring
member 167, and includes a plurality, desirably four, connecting
members 170 connecting the first ring member 165 and the second
ring member 167. The outermost loop 67 of the resilient guiding
device 60a or the outermost ring 68 of the resilient guiding device
60b or 60c can be positioned in conjunction with, such as being set
on or coupled to, the first ring member 165 of the supporting base
160. The second ring member 167 of FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3F and 3G can be
adapted to be positioned over the periorbital region 90 (FIG. 1A)
of the eye 110 (FIG. 1A) or positioned in proximity to the eye
socket 95, as can assist in preventing or limiting the eye lids
from blinking or closing before or as the medication enters the eye
110 (FIG. 1A), or in proximity to the eye socket 95 of the eye 110.
It is to be known that the first ring member 165 and the second
ring member 167 are not limited to having a generally circular
configuration, but can also include ring members having various
configurations, such as generally rectangular, square, triangular,
diamond or elliptical configurations, for example, and should not
be construed in a limiting sense.
[0060] Also, referring now to FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3F and 3G, during or
before use, when the person administering the eye medication pushes
or moves the base 30 or 30b or the bulb 120 of the eye drop
applicator, such as one of eye drop applicators 20, 20a and 20b,
when positioned in the resilient guiding device, such as one of
resilient guiding devices 60a, 60b and 60c, the eye drop applicator
can be one or more of selectively linearly and nonlinearly moved to
selectively adjust a height and a position of the eye drop
applicator in relation to the eye 110 to adjust the nozzle, such as
one of nozzles 40, 40a and 40b. Likewise, the resilient guiding
device, such as one of resilient guiding devices 60a, 60b, and 60c,
can be adjusted one or more of selectively linearly and nonlinearly
to selectively adjust a height and a position of the eye drop
applicator in relation to the eye 110, when positioned in the
resilient guiding device, such as one of resilient guiding devices
60a, 60b and 60c, such as including one or more of vertical,
lateral, oblique, and various combinations, paths, and directions
of movement, as can allow the nozzle, such as nozzle 40b, of the
eye drop applicator, such as eye drop applicator 20b, to be aligned
properly so as to get as close to, or at an acceptable position and
distance from, the eye 110 (FIG. 1A) to administer the eye drop(s)
fluid. After administering the eye drop(s) fluid, the resilient
guiding device, such as one of resilient guiding devices 60a, 60b
and 60c, can then return to, as well as the eye drop applicator
therein, such as eye drop applicator 20b, to an original position
after subsequent release of pressure thereon that adjusted the
position of the eye drop applicator, as described herein, to
administer the eye drop(s) fluid. It is to be appreciated that the
resilient guiding devices, such as resilient guiding devices 60,
60a, 60b, and 60c can be compressible, stretchable or expandable,
and resilient in nature, for example.
[0061] Referring to FIGS. 3C and 3H, embodiments of the eye dropper
positioning and guiding apparatuses 300c and 300h are substantially
similar to the embodiments of the eye dropper positioning and
guiding apparatuses 300a, 300b, 300f and 300g described in relation
to FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3F and 3G. Similar to the embodiments described in
FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3F and 3G, the embodiments of the supporting base
160a in FIGS. 3C and 3H includes the first ring member 165a having
a first diameter or a first crosswise dimension. The resilient
guiding device, such as one of resilient guiding devices 60a, 60b
and 60c can be positioned in conjunction with, such as being set on
or coupled to, the first ring member 165a. The supporting base 160a
in FIGS. 3C and 3H also includes a second ring member 167a adapted
to be positioned in proximity to the eye socket 95 of the eye 110.
Also, similarly, the supporting base 160a in FIGS. 3C and 3H
includes a plurality, desirably four, connecting members 170a
connecting the first ring member 165a and the second ring member
167a.
[0062] A difference between the embodiments described in FIGS. 3A,
3B, 3F and 3G and those in FIGS. 3C and 3H, however, is that the
second ring member 167a of the supporting base 160a in FIGS. 3C and
3H is associated with a vertical extension member 200, as
described. The vertical extension member 200 includes a plurality,
desirably four, support members 210, and can be of a fixed length
or adjustable in length, for example. The support members 210 are
coupled to the second ring member 167a to position the supporting
base 160a over at least a portion of the area of a face proximate
to the eye 110, such as in proximity to the eye socket 95 of the
eye 110, with the second ring member 167a desirably being
positioned in spaced relation to the portion of the area of a face
proximate to the eye 110. It is to be noted that the vertical
extension member 200 with the support members 210 can allow for an
adjustment in height of the supporting base 160a as can assist in
accommodating or allowing eye drop applicators having
unconventionally or relatively long nozzles, for example. The
opening in the middle of the second ring member 167a coupled to the
plurality of support members 210 can allow the support members 210
to be adapted to fit over the periorbital region 90 (FIG. 1A) of
the eye 110 (FIG. 1A) or positioned in proximity to the eye socket
95, as can assist in preventing or limiting the eye lids from
blinking or closing before or as the medication fluid enters the
eye 110 (FIG. 1A), or in proximity to the eye socket 95 of the eye
110, for example.
[0063] A further difference between the embodiments described in
FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3F and 3G and those in FIGS. 3C and 3H is that the
first ring member 165a of the supporting base 160a can be adapted
to include an upward extension sleeve 166 as in FIGS. 3C and 3H, to
hold and support the resilient guiding device, such as one of
resilient guiding devices 60a, 60b and 60c. It is to be noted that
the upward extension sleeve 166 can also be adapted to be included
with other embodiments of the supporting bases 160, 160a, 160b,
160c and 160d, for example, and should not be construed in a
limiting sense. It is to be known that the first ring member 165a
and the second ring member 167a are not limited to having a
generally circular configuration, but can also include ring members
having various configurations, such as generally rectangular,
square, triangular, diamond or elliptical configurations, for
example, and should not be construed in a limiting sense.
[0064] Referring now to FIGS. 3D and 3I, embodiments of the eye
dropper positioning and guiding apparatuses 300d and 300i are
illustrated. A difference between the embodiments described in
FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3F and 3G and the embodiments 300d and 300i described
in FIGS. 3D and 3I is that the supporting base 160b in FIGS. 3D and
3I includes an eye bridge 280 including a holder 195b, as can
include an upward extension sleeve, similar to the upward extension
sleeve 166, to hold and support one of the resilient guiding
devices 60a, 60b and 60c in the holder 195b. The holder 195b is
coupled for support to a first lateral support member 220 and a
second lateral support member 221. The resilient guiding device,
such as one of the resilient guiding devices 60a, 60b and 60c, can
be positioned in conjunction with, such as being set on or coupled
to, the holder 195b.
[0065] The first lateral support member 220 and the second lateral
support member 221 can be erected in a vertical or substantially
vertical position, wherein the resilient guiding device, such as
one of resilient guiding devices 60a, 60b and 60c, is positioned in
conjunction with, such as being set on or coupled to, the holder
195b and supported by the first lateral support member 220 and the
second lateral support member 221. An end 222 of the first lateral
support member 220 and an end 227 of the second lateral support
member 221 typically are located at a position furthest from the
holder 195b and can be adapted to include pads that can protect a
region about the eye 110 (FIG. 1A) or can protect a portion of an
area of a face proximate to the eye on which the ends 222 and 227
rest to support the supporting base 160b, such as when the end 222
of the first lateral support member 220 and the end 227 of the
second lateral support member 221 are placed in proximity to the
eye socket 95 of the eye 110. It is to be known that the holder
195b is not limited to having a generally circular configuration,
but can also include holders having various configurations, such as
generally rectangular, square, triangular, diamond or elliptical
configurations, for example, and should not be construed in a
limiting sense.
[0066] By way of operation, to support the holder 195b having the
resilient guiding device, such as one of resilient guiding devices
60a, 60b and 60c, over the eye 110 (FIG. 1A), the first lateral
support member 220 is typically placed on the person's forehead and
the second lateral support member 221 is typically placed on the
maxillary region of the face, for example. Once the resilient
guiding device, such as one of resilient guiding devices 60a, 60b
and 60c, has been positioned over the eye 110 (FIG. 1A), such as by
adjusting or positioning the first and second lateral support
members 220 and 221, the eye drop applicator can be inserted into
the resilient guiding device, such as one of resilient guiding
devices 60a, 60b and 60c, where it can be selectively adjusted one
or more of linearly and nonlinearly to selectively adjust a height
and a position of the eye drop applicator in relation to the eye
110, such as including one or more of vertical, lateral, oblique,
and various combinations, paths, and directions of movement, to
assist in properly administering the eye drop(s) fluid into the eye
110 (FIG. 1A).
[0067] Referring now to FIGS. 3E and 3J, embodiments of the eye
dropper positioning and guiding apparatuses 300e and 300j are
illustrated. A difference between the embodiments described in
FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3F and 3G and the embodiments of the eye dropper
positioning and guiding apparatuses 300e and 300j described in
FIGS. 3E and 3J is that the supporting base 160c in FIGS. 3E and 3J
includes a body 225 having a generally saddle type shape adapted to
position over at least a portion of a nose in an area that is in
proximity to the eye 110. The supporting base 160c includes the
holder 195c adapted to support the resilient guiding device, such
as one of resilient guiding devices 60a, 60b and 60c. The resilient
guiding device, such as one of resilient guiding devices 60a, 60b
and 60c, can be positioned in conjunction with, such as being set
on or coupled to, the holder 195c.
[0068] The holder 195c can also be associated with an upward
extension sleeve 165c, similar to the upward extension sleeve 166
of FIGS. 3C and 3H, as described. The holder 195c has an inner
opening 400 adapted to receive the resilient guiding device, such
as one of resilient guiding device 60a, 60b and 60c. The supporting
base 160c also includes at least two laterally opposed support
members 230 coupled to and extending from the body 225, at least
two connecting members 260 respectively connecting the at least two
laterally opposed support members 230 to the holder 195c; and a
head member 250 connected to the holder 195c and extending from the
holder 195c downward to support the holder 195c.
[0069] The body 225 is adapted to rest towards the nostrils of the
nose and can cover at least a portion of the nose from the top of
the nose, as well as a portion of the sides of the nose. The body
225 can be adapted to include a neck, such as a neck 240, to cover
the relatively hard portion of the nose closer towards the forehead
of the person. It is to be noted that while the shape of the holder
195c can vary, it is desirable that the holder 195c be circular or
generally circular in shape or configuration, for example, although
other of various suitable shapes or configurations for the holder
195c can be used, such as a generally rectangular, square,
triangular, elliptical or diamond shape or configuration, for
example, and should not be construed in a limiting sense. The at
least two lateral opposed support members 230 are adapted to rest
on the maxillary region of the face and on both sides of the nose,
for example. The resilient guiding device, such as one of resilient
guiding device 60a, 60b and 60c, associated with the inner opening
400 and the holder 195c can allow for the one or more of selective
linear and nonlinear movement to selectively adjust a height and a
position of the eye drop applicator in relation to the eye 110,
such as including one or more of vertical, lateral, oblique, and
various combinations, paths, and directions of movement.
[0070] It is to be noted that regardless of which supporting base,
such as one of supporting bases 160, 160a, 160b, 160c, and 160d,
and regardless of which resilient guiding device, such as one of
resilient guiding devices 60, 60a, 60b, and 60c, is used, the
embodiments of the eye dropper positioning and guiding apparatuses
300a-300k can operate in a similar fashion, for example. It is to
be noted that the supporting base and the various components
thereof, as described, can be formed from various suitable
materials, such as a suitable metallic or plastic type material, or
combinations thereof, for example, as can depend on the use or
application, and should not be construed in a limiting sense.
[0071] By way of operation, the eye drop applicator, such as one of
eye drop applicators 20, 20a and 20b, is inserted into the
resilient guiding device, such as one of resilient guiding devices
60, 60a, 60b and 60c. If, however, the eye drop applicator contains
a non-conventional or specialized nozzle, an appropriate attachment
member, such as one of attachment members 50 and 50a, can be used
to assist in ensuring a proper fit between the nozzle of the eye
drop applicator and the resilient guiding device, such as one of
resilient guiding devices 60, 60a, 60b and 60c.
[0072] Also, prior to the embodiments of the eye dropper
positioning and guiding apparatuses 300a-300k being positioned in
relation to the periorbital region 90 or in proximity to the eye
110, when included, the at least one connecting member 180
associated with the at least one corresponding safety lock 190 can
be adjusted according to the position of the eye 110, as described
herein, for example. After the connecting member 180 associated
with the corresponding safety lock 190 has been adjusted, the head
of the person who is receiving the eye drop(s) fluid is typically
reclined backward and the eye dropper positioning and guiding
apparatus having the eye drop applicator is positioned over the
periorbital region 90 or in proximity to the eye 110, for example.
A portion of the supporting base can be positioned over the upper
eye lid and a portion of the supporting base can be positioned
below the lower eye lid to assist in keeping the eye lids from
preventing or limiting the eye drop fluid from reaching the eye
110, for example.
[0073] The person who is receiving the eye drop(s) can then look
directly toward the nozzle of the eye drop applicator passing
through the resilient guiding device, such as one of resilient
guiding devices 60, 60a, 60b and 60c. If, however, the person who
is receiving the eye drop(s) fluid has a deeply sunken eye ball,
the nozzle of the eye drop applicator can be pushed downwards
towards the eye by placing pressure on the eye drop applicator and
pushing the nozzle of the eye drop applicator toward the eye ball.
Once the eye drop applicator is properly aligned or positioned with
the eye, the eye drop(s) fluid is administered into the eye by
laterally compressing the resilient body, such as one of resilient
bodies 25 or 25b or the bulb, such as the bulb 120, of the eye drop
applicator, for example. After the eye drop(s) fluid has been
administered into the eye, the pressure is released from the eye
drop applicator, the resilient, spring-like characteristics of the
resilient guiding device, such as one of resilient guiding device
60, 60a, 60b and 60c, can assist in causing the eye drop applicator
to move away from the eye 110 (FIG. 1A) so that the likelihood of
the nozzle of the eye drop applicator coming into contact with the
corneal area of the eye is substantially reduced.
[0074] It is to be understood that the present invention is not
limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and
all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.
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